The survey, which can be completed in a few minutes, will be used by RTA to develop a strategic plan that will determine where the transit system should expand in the next 10 years.

The fifth question in the survey -- "Where should RTA prioritize its efforts in the next 5 years" -- is particularly relevant for those living outside of Cuyahoga County. Citizens and public officials in Lorain and Erie counties will have the opportunity to give reasons why extending bus and rail service through Lorain County to Sandusky would be used by commuters who daily drive to and from the Cleveland area.

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Local residents can also speak at a public hearing on the strategic plan on Thursday at 5 p.m. at RTA's Main Office Building, 1240 W. Sixth St., Cleveland. The meeting site is only a few blocks from the Tower City Rapid Station for those who wish to take the Red Line Rapid downtown.

The strategic planning process is important because RTA needs to take the lead in developing a comprehensive and coordinated public bus and rail service that could serve millions of people throughout northern Ohio in coming years.

Lorain and Erie County residents need to generate sufficient online survey responses and a big enough attendance at Thursday's meeting to make the case to RTA bosses that going west would be the best direction for RTA's future.